Purau

Purau is a term used in the Yurok language, spoken by the Yurok people, an indigenous tribe native to the northwestern part of California in the United States. In Yurok, "purau" refers to a type of traditional handbuilding technique used to construct canoes and other wooden watercraft.

Purau involves shaping and forming wood by hand without the use of adzes or other metal tools. This labor-intensive process requires great skill and dexterity, as well-being was worked to shape the wood, polished and smoothed to a sleek finish. Purau-crafted canoes were highly valued by the Yurok people for their speed, maneuverability, and durability.

The purau technique also extended beyond boat building, as it was applied to create intricate carvings and decorations for homes and other structures. The finished pieces were often highly ornate, featuring delicate patterns and Motifs. Purau workers would use hand-carved wooden tools to shape and smooth the wood, achieving a very fine finish.

In contemporary times, efforts have been made to revive and preserve the traditional purau technique. Master craftsmen continue to practice and teach this ancient skill to younger generations, ensuring the Yurok's unique cultural heritage remains alive. Additionally, purau has gained international recognition as an art form and architectural technique, with fine art exhibitions and demonstrations showcasing the skill and craftsmanship that it embodies.